Human remains 'archeological,' coroner says

CRESCENT BAR  Human remains found Tuesday on the bank of the drawn-down Columbia River are archeological in nature.

"These are old bones,' Coroner Craig Morrison said.

Morrison didn't specify in the remains were tribal, but said "there are patterns stating that they could be."

The remains are being turned over to the Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation, in accordance with state law, he said.

The remains were found on what would have been the Sinkiuse Indian territory before settlers. Today, that tribe is commonly known as the Moses-Columbia Band of Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

The Grant County Sheriff's Office secured the area around the remains pending conclusion of its investigation.